Buffalo Bill. John Wayne. These names are synonymous with the pop culture phenomenon of the great American cowboy. They solicit images of ruggedness, self-reliance and adventure—riding out across the plains with nothing but your noble steed and the open sky. Fast forward 100 years to today where there are no more vast plains, undiscovered lands, or even cowboys. Let’s face it: John Wayne is dead and buried. Sailors have replaced cowboys.
Sailing has picked up in popularity in the past few years. A past time that was once only available to the wealthy upper crust of society has become the sport of everyman. More people are securing the traditional skipper cap, a Gilligan inspired first mate a boat and hitting the open seas. While it may look simple to control the sailboats that you see gliding across the ocean, as the old saying goes—it’s harder than it looks.
There are several schools that specialize in teaching regatta enthusiasts the basics of sailing. One of these is the Lanier Sail Academy with locations in both Columbia and Atlanta. They offer a series of classes for skill levels ranging from novice to experienced. Rated the best sailing institute of 2006 by the American Sailing Association, Lanier Sail offers great classes and a knowledgeable staff that will have you out on the sea in no time. In BKB-101, their most basic class, you learn all the parts of the sailboat and their importance along with tacking and jybing, stopping, docking and mooring, tying sailors knots, and of course safety.
Becoming a bonified sailor takes some time and money. You have to receive your American Sailing Association Basic Keelboat Certification before you can head out on your own. Fortunately, the Lanier Sail Academy guarantees your certification or they will give you extra training until you pass for no extra cost. Also, the cost of classes is not cheap. They start about $400 and only go up. However, most of these classes range over six weeks, and once they are done, you are a graduated sailor. If the cost and the work ahead makes you cringe, just think about it like making an investment or buying a new car. Sometimes you have to shell out the cash to experience the reward. Sailing is a life-long skill and pasttime; it’s worth the extra dough.
For more information about the Lanier Sailing Academy, call (800) 684 – 9463 or visit their website at www.laniersail.com.
